Tag: Megapixel cameras

LevelOne Megapixel IP camera

Level One the networking specialists have launched a new range of megapixel cameras. The new cameras offer a great solution for those who require quality images. However there is now an additional advantage, each IP camera comes with remote monitoring software that supports up to 64 channels. This gives the end user a total IP video solution.

A major benefit of the new LevelOne Megapixel IP cameras is that the CCTV software that comes with the latest camera range allows images to be viewed from you mobile device including an iPhone  or a smart phone. The software is free, supports 64 channels and is called Camsecure. The benefits are obvious and remote viewing is becoming the accepted way to keep your eye on both domestic properties and office enviroments.

The FCS-1121 is one of the new IP cameras in the range and is a H.264, Megapixel PoE Network Camera. It comes with simultaneous dual stream, and a removable Infra-Red cut filter. This allows it to be optimized for true day and night application.

Also in the new levelOne range is the FCS-3061 Day/Night H.264 Megapixel PoE IP Dome Camera with a 3-axis mechanical design and DI/1 DO for external alarm and sensor detection. The new camera series also has the WCS-0030 a wireless camera option that has a built in SD card, PIR detection and two way audible. So with a sound build quality the levelOne Megapixel IP camera range is worth a look.

A tale of POE woe….

POE…..that magical ability to send power to a POE compatible device…

Pro’s? Saves cost on cable and requirement for local power……

Con’s? 90m maximum distance before repeaters required

But…there is a new Con…… ensure the POE Switch is acceptable for the POE devices you are installing

We hear of an installation where there are well known, reputable IP Megapixel cameras (fully POE compatible) all of which at under 90m cable distance……

Set up beforehand in their offices, this trusted and experienced installer are a rare breed that actually test the entire system before shipping to site…..a dry run of the installation if you like….

Take it to site and install and they find that when connecting more than 4 cameras on the POE Network Switch, only the first 4 appear……disconnecting the first 4 results in the next block of 4 appearing…..certainly proving that cables and cameras are fine, but the ‘juice’ from the POE Switch is just not delivering…

But the Switch is a 24 port HP Switch, offering 15w per output…the cameras are only 4w maximum…..

A quick email to the manufacturer (not in the UK !) results in an admission that the Switch in question, HP, has been known to throw this ‘oddity’ up before….apparently, the issue has been rectified in a newer Hardware version of the…..wait for it….IP Megapixel camera !!!! (hhhmm, where is the fault??)

These cameras are fresh out of a recently delivered order….therefore, the (supposedly) very latest batch or ‘hardware’…….

The installer had to urgently (and frantically!) organise another expensive Switch to be delivered directly to site in order to rescue this installation….and their image!

So why do these IP manufacturers not take care of valuable information such as incompatibility and be up front ??? This is not a negative, it is called looking after the customer!!

Come on Manufacturers, remember the rule, a bad installation might result in your kit not being used again…..

***Update*** replaced the £700 HP switch with a £400 Netgear version and it now works !!

What do you think?